Pushing Hands

 

Pushing Hands

 

In Tai Chi, "pushing hands" (Tui Shou 推手) is a training method used to develop sensitivity, balance, and coordination. There are various techniques used in pushing hands, including:

 

Single-hand pushing hands: This involves using one hand to connect with your partner's arm or hand while maintaining contact and applying pressure to sense their movements and respond accordingly.

 

Double-hand pushing hands: In this technique, both hands are used to maintain contact with your partner's arms or hands, allowing for more complex interactions and exchanges of force.

 

Fixed-step pushing hands: Practitioners maintain a fixed stance while engaging in pushing hands, focusing on developing stability, rooting, and sensitivity to changes in force and direction.

Moving-step pushing hands: This involves moving around while engaging in pushing hands, which adds another layer of complexity as practitioners need to maintain balance and adapt to changing positions.

 

Listening jin (energy): This technique emphasizes sensitivity to your partner's energy and intentions, allowing you to redirect their force rather than directly opposing it.

Neutralizing: This involves using circular movements to redirect or neutralize your partner's force, rather than meeting it head-on.

 

Issuing jin: This technique focuses on the ability to release energy or force smoothly and efficiently, using the whole body rather than just the arms.

These techniques are practiced to develop skills such as sensitivity, balance, relaxation, and the ability to yield and redirect force, which are fundamental principles in Tai Chi.

 

 

In double-hand pushing hands, where two persons push each other, there are various techniques used to train balance, sensitivity, and martial applications. Some common double-hand pushing hands techniques include:

 

Peng (Ward Off): This technique involves using a circular upward and outward movement to redirect the opponent's force, maintaining a connection and control.

 

Lu (Rollback): Lu is a technique that redirects incoming force by rotating the arms in a circular motion, leading the opponent's force to the side.

 

Ji (Press): Ji involves pressing forward with both hands to neutralize or control the opponent's energy.

 

An (Push Down): An is a downward pressing movement that can be used to disrupt the opponent's balance and control their upper body.

 

Cai (Pluck): Cai is a technique that involves pulling or plucking the opponent's arm downward or to the side, disrupting their balance.

 

Lie (Split): Lie is a splitting movement that can be used to break the opponent's structure and create openings for attack.

 

Zhou (Elbow): Zhou involves using the elbow to strike or control the opponent's arms, often in close quarters.

 

Kao (Shoulder Strike): Kao is a technique that uses the shoulder to push or strike the opponent, often used in close-range combat.

 

These are just a few examples of double-hand pushing hands techniques used in Tai Chi practice. Each technique focuses on developing specific skills such as sensitivity, timing, and body mechanics, which are essential for effective martial application and overall proficiency in Tai Chi.

 

The Peng (Ward Off) technique

 

The Peng (Ward Off) technique in Tai Chi Chuan is a fundamental movement that involves redirecting or neutralizing an opponent's force while maintaining your own balance and stability. Here are the basic steps to practice Peng:

Starting Position: Begin in a relaxed and balanced stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Your spine should be straight, and your shoulders relaxed.

Initiate the Movement: Start with your arms in front of you, palms facing downward, and your hands at chest level. Imagine holding a large ball or balloon between your hands.

Raise the Arms: As you inhale, slowly raise your arms upward and outward in a circular motion, keeping your elbows relaxed and slightly bent. Your hands should move in an arc, rising to shoulder level or slightly higher.

Rotate the Palms: At the top of the movement, rotate your palms outward so that they face forward or slightly upward. Your arms should form a rounded shape, as if embracing a large sphere.

Extend the Energy: As you exhale, imagine extending your energy or intention outward from your palms, as if pushing against an imaginary resistance. Your arms should remain relaxed but extended, with a sense of openness and connection.

Maintain Balance and Structure: Throughout the movement, focus on maintaining your balance and structural integrity. Keep your stance stable and rooted, with your weight evenly distributed between your feet.

Return to Starting Position: To complete the movement, slowly lower your arms back to the starting position, following a similar arc as you did when raising them. Keep your movements smooth and continuous, coordinating your breath with the motion.

Repeat: Practice Peng repeatedly, paying attention to your body alignment, breath, and the feeling of energy flow. As you become more comfortable with the movement, you can gradually increase the speed and intensity while maintaining control and relaxation.

Peng is a foundational movement in Tai Chi Chuan, and mastering it requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. It is not only a physical exercise but also a mental and energetic practice that can enhance your overall well-being and martial arts skills.